The civic interview series Vote Like A Texan has released a new episode featuring Ricky Gleason, a candidate for Kendall County Judge, focusing on the critical role of county leadership during a period of rapid growth in the Texas Hill Country. In Texas, the County Judge serves as the chief executive officer of the county, overseeing budget priorities, emergency management, intergovernmental coordination, and the Commissioners Court. Gleason, whose professional background is in financial planning and business consulting, describes his decision to run as a deeply personal and family-centered commitment, rooted in a desire to give back to the community that raised him.
A central theme of the conversation, hosted by Justin McKenzie, is the need for collaborative leadership at the county level. Gleason emphasizes that counties must work in partnership with cities, school districts, nonprofit organizations, first responders, and neighboring counties to effectively address shared challenges. He points to emergency management, wildfire preparedness, flooding, and volunteer fire departments as areas where coordination and long-term planning are essential. This approach is crucial as Kendall County faces the pressures of being one of the fastest-growing regions in the Texas Hill Country.
The discussion addresses growth along the Interstate 10 corridor and throughout the Texas Triangle, with Gleason rejecting simplistic "pro-growth versus anti-growth" narratives. Instead, he advocates for realistic, values-driven planning that respects private property rights while preserving the Hill Country’s heritage, water resources, and quality of life. Water availability and regional infrastructure emerge as critical issues, with Gleason calling for proactive collaboration among Hill Country counties. He notes that water systems, flood risks, and transportation networks do not stop at county lines, making intergovernmental cooperation essential for sustainable solutions.
McKenzie frames the discussion around the broader civic importance of county government, highlighting how decisions made at the local level directly affect families, businesses, and future generations. Together, the two explore how a clear strategic vision can help Kendall County navigate growth while remaining a place where residents can build businesses, raise families, and preserve community character. The full interview is available now as part of the Vote Like A Texan series, which works to make Texas candidates more discoverable and to empower voters with direct, substantive conversations about leadership and public service. More information about the series can be found at https://www.votelikeatexan.com.
As the episode concludes, Gleason underscores the importance of voter participation—particularly in primary elections—encouraging residents to engage early and make their voices heard. This message is vital as local elections often have a direct impact on community resources and development. The interview highlights that effective county governance requires not only strategic planning but also active civic engagement to address complex issues like growth management and environmental sustainability in the Texas Hill Country.
